Swimmers heading to South Florida’s east coast beaches today should be aware of a moderate risk of rip currents, with safety warnings in place through this evening. The National Weather Service in Miami has issued an advisory for all Atlantic beaches, including those from Palm Beach to Miami-Dade County. Lifeguards are urging beachgoers to swim only in guarded areas and pay attention to posted warning flags, as rip currents can quickly pull even experienced swimmers into deeper waters.
Popular beach destinations like Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach are among the high-traffic areas affected by the alert. While the risk is not at its peak, conditions remain dangerous, particularly for those unfamiliar with the ocean’s currents or those swimming in unguarded areas. This warning is especially important for families and visitors spending Father’s Day along the shoreline.
Experts advise staying out of the water if unsure about conditions and recommend avoiding swimming alone. If caught in a rip current, it’s essential to remain calm, float, and swim parallel to the shore to escape the current’s pull.
The rip current threat is expected to ease by late tonight, but beach safety officials caution that ocean conditions can change quickly, and additional alerts may be issued if necessary.
